Let your light shine
before others.
Matthew 5:16
When I flipped the calendar in the kitchen to November yesterday, after I had written the blog, I came upon a beautiful photo of an old red barn, with a forest of coloured trees in the background. In the forefront sits a rustic orange truck with a load of lovely orange pumpkins! Wow! What a cheerful greeting for November!
When I read the Bible Verse at the top of the calendar page for November, the verse was equally encouraging.
Matthew 5 begins with the Beatitudes, then it moves into the segment our verse comes from for today.
In verse 13, it teaches us to be the “salt of the earth.” We are not to lose our saltiness. God, by His grace, sends us to help preserve others from going further into sin. As believers, we are to have a godly influence on those around us.
As Christians, we are called to persevere in life and, by God’s grace, influence others for Christ in a godly manner.
We are called by God to let our light shine as brightly as we can. Naturally, we will do this for God’s glory and not to be seen by man. Some might take it the wrong way what we do and say, but onward we go for God’s glory.
As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This is how we let our light shine. We don’t keep thinking of ourselves first, but share our time and resources with others.
There are as many opportunities to share the love of Christ as there are people who want to share.
Think about your church or your neighbourhood? Is there a lonesome or elderly person who might benefit from a visit?
Perhaps a friend could use some encouragement? Are you and I willing to reach out as they reciprocate? Or maybe, just maybe, a young person in your church could use a listening ear? Are you willing to mentor them with your time and energy?
What about all the lonely people in nursing homes? Or the hungry souls waiting for food at the Food Bank in your nearest city? The giving is down in these locations and those with little means are hurting.
They need volunteers at local Crisis Pregnancy Centres and local missions. In our area there is a great place to volunteer called “Christian Gleaners.” Hospital gift shops need cheerful cashiers. Being Foster Parents is an honourable way to share Christ’s love. The list is endless. Our own Churches and Christian Schools need volunteers.
The point is, we are to quietly go about our business of giving and loving others. Our motive is to let our lives thrive and shine for God’s purposes. For His glory.
We might have a neighbour who is hard to love and rarely shows appreciation, or does not give back when you are experiencing a trial. Give anyway.
At the Foodbank, a hungry, homeless person might say something mean. Give anyway.
The elderly person might come to expect more and more visits. Go anyway.
The person you mentor might never say thanks. Give anyway.
And if that little child keeps you up all night long, keep doing what you are doing as long as God calls you to.
Perhaps getting out of your comfort zone to go to a Crisis Pregnancy Centre is too intimidating for you? Ask God for courage again and again. He will help you.
And as we let our lights shine for God’s glory, may it be that others see Christ in us the hope of glory.
For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.
And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing His glory.
Colossians 1:27